Tightening European emissions standards mean that Subaru enthusiasts in the Continent would have to wait a while to get their rally fix, as the WRX STI will soon be discontinued there. Don’t fret, however, as a replacement is in the works, according to a report by Dutch portal AutoRAI.nl.

Subaru Europe’s general manager of sales and marketing David Dello Stritto explained why the current model is going the way of the dodo, adding that the next generation won’t arrive immediately to replace it. “Carbon dioxide emissions are becoming increasingly important and the current 2.5 litre four-cylinder turbo boxer engine simply cannot continue to be used in the future.

“We won’t say goodbye to the WRX STI – the car belongs to Subaru – but there will be a period where we will temporarily stop offering the WRX STI,” he said. The current model uses an older EJ25 mill rather than the newer, cleaner and more efficient 2.0 litre FA20 direct injection turbo (DIT) unit in the WRX.

The current Subaru WRX STI is being discontinued in Europe

Dello Stritto also said that the company is still weighing its options before deciding on what will power the next STI – whether it be petrol, hybrid or even electric. “Subaru is awaiting what the market developments are, and will set the concept for that,” he said. “There will be a new WRX STI, but that takes time.”

The next-gen model has already been teased in the form of the Viziv Performance Concept at the recent Tokyo Motor Show. Subaru isn’t the first to look to alternative fuels to power its performance icon – rival Mitsubishi, which itself dropped the Lancer Evolution in 2015, has revealed a electric-powered all-wheel drive SUV concept called the e-Evolution, pointing to the future of the hallowed nameplate.

What do you think – should these carmakers hit the reset button on these cars, or should they just let them go out on top? Sound off in the comments after the jump.

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.